Jack Barnard Telecom Services Limited (Case reference: 01299)
| Case Number | 01299 |
| Year | 2008 |
| Published date | 27 August 2008 |
| Adjudicated Party | Jack Barnard Telecom Services Limited |
| Procedure Type | Emergency Procedure (Phone-Paid Services Authority) |
THE CODE COMPLIANCE PANEL OF PHONEPAYPLUS
(FORMERLY ICSTIS)
TRIBUNAL DECISION
Thursday 14 August 2008 TRIBUNAL SITTING No. 8 / CASE 1
CASE REFERENCE: 760879/JI
Service provider & area: Jack Barnard Telecom Services Limited,
Epping, Essex
Information provider & area: Roger Simmons t/a Russell Marketing
Dagenham, Essex
Type of service: Fixed Line
Service title: Unknown
Service number: 070 365 15000-15999
070 365 22000-22999
070 365 47000-47999
070 365 63000-63999
070 365 86000-86999
Cost: 50 pence per minute from a standard BT line
Network operator: Invomo Limited
Number of complainants: 32
BACKGROUND
The PhonepayPlus Executive (“the Executive”) received 32 complaints from consumers
regarding the receipt of unsolicited calls allegedly made using Automated Calling
Equipment (“ACE”). The calls had been made to residential, business fixed-line and
mobile telephones and were identified as “070365” prefixed numbers.
The complainants were consistent in claiming that the call received lasted approximately
5 seconds and that during that time they heard a male voice which sounded like a
recording, and stated: “Hello, hello, can you hear me?” (or similar), after which point the
call was terminated. This prompted consumers to return the call whilst being unaware of
high rate charges.
Ofcom have designated 070 numbers for use only as personal “follow me” numbers
which are charged at a higher rate (up to 50 pence per minute from a landline). Ofcom
do not allow end-user revenue share on 070 numbers.
The Executive was concerned that these complainants were experiencing a modified
version of what is commonly known as “wangiri”, a well known trend for misuse of
premium rate and personal numbers, which involves a computer using hundreds of
phone lines to randomly dial mobile phone numbers. After one ring, the call terminates
and leaves the number stored in the receiving party's mobile phone. If the person returns
the call they are connected, usually being charged a premium rate by the subscriber at
the other end.
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